ORNITHOLOGY OF THE MOOR. 297 
The Mole is a creature by no means limited to 
cultivated districts, as appears by its occurrence 
on a barren hill of very considerable height in 
the immediate neighbourhood of the Moor. The 
most numerous and characteristic species however, 
is the Rabbit, which as will subsequently be seen, 
draws thither a variety of rapacious birds that other- 
wise would not find food in such a district. 
The Ornithology of Dartmoor is in many respects 
interesting. The Rabbits which abound there draw 
numerous species of rapacious birds to it, and the 
Raven, Carrion Crow and Hooded Crow likewise 
traverse in their wanderings this wild spot. ‘The 
Ring Ouzel frequents many of the rocky and rapid 
streams in parties, nestling to my knowledge in 
hollows of the rocks. The Water Ouzel is a fre- 
quenter of similar situations being a great lover of 
solitude, and I am not aware that either of these 
birds has been traced, except sparingly, beyond 
the barren portions of the Moor. The Titlark, 
Stonechat, Whinchat, and Grasshopper Warbler 
are found occupying their respective stations on the 
heaths and stony fields; and the Wheatear and 
Reed Warbler are reported to make their abode 
within the limits of the more barren parts of the 
district. It has been told me that Cuckoos are at 
times seen haunting rocky spots on the borders of 
Dartmoor, and this may be true enough, although it 
is possible that my informant may have mistaken 
the Nightjar for it,as they are not very dissimilar 
in appearance, and since I well know that Nightjars 
are found on the borders of the Moor in large wooded 
inclosures, but particularly at Buckland-in-the- 
Moor, where the oaks have attained a great size. 
From these woods they usually select positions in 
the adjoining commons or brakes for nestling. The 
Great Bustard which formerly frequented the Moor 
has I fear been extirpated. In times past also, ne 
Mm 
